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The Complete Guide to Migraine Headaches by Alice Peart Page 27 of 87

8. Risk Factors

Estimates say that more than thirty million Americans suffer from migraines.

Approximately 1/3 are male and the rest are female.

Risk factors include anything that induces or increases the chances of affliction of

any disease or particular medical condition.

Major Risk Factors.

Certain major risk factors for the incidence of a migraine are:

Hormonal fluctuations: Hormones are most active in women between twenty

and fifty. Constant fluctuations occur in progesterone and estrogen levels during
this period. These changes bring the risk of migraines and may decide their

severity too.

Similarly, the premenstrual and postmenstrual time is a risky period for a

migraine to occur. Pregnant women experience migraines in the initial stages.
Women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies have a higher
risk of incidence of a migraine, not only during the normal course, but also

during pregnancy and menstruation.

Lack of Sleep or Sleep Apnea: Irregular and insufficient sleep patterns,

insomnia or excessive sleep are all contributing factors.

Depression: Anxious thoughts, pessimism and mental disturbances hamper
normal functioning of your nervous system and brain. This triggers a chain of
reactions in other body systems leading to severe headaches. Such depression

also causes grinding and clenching of teeth.

Arthritis: Wrong posture can lead to arthritis in the neck muscles. This upsets

the regular supply of blood and oxygen to the brain causing migraines.

Irregular Meals: Skipping meals, fasting and having food at odd times of the
day disrupts body functioning. Your body is unable to receive the necessary

Copyright © 2006 Alice Peart 27.